IS US$25,000 really a reasonable price to pay for a pair of Nike Hyperdunk sneakers? It is when they were specially designed for Barack Obama, it seems. In February, the auction house Sotheby's will sell a pair of sneakers designed exclusively for the 44th President of the United States, a particularly rare pair that could attract much attention from collectors.
This pair of Nike Hyperdunk sneakers, in US size 12.5, is inspired by the pair worn by Team USA basketball players at the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympic Games. They are printed with various patriotic symbols, including the Presidential Seal and bald eagles with the date 1776, referencing the year of the United States Declaration of Independence. The inner side of the sneakers also features the number 44, nodding to Barack Obama's place in history as the 44th US President.
Sotheby's takes the homage even further by auctioning this very special pair of Nike Hyperdunks Friday, February 12 at 16:44 (EST). The date is highly symbolic, since it happens to be President's Day, a public holiday commemorating former US Presidents
The sneakers are estimated at $25,000, although bids could take the price even higher. According to Sotheby's, these Nike Hyperdunks are considered one of only two pairs in existence, with this pair serving as Nike's confirmation sample to check the quality of the shoe before producing the pair given to Barack Obama. Still, it's difficult to imagine them reaching the record sum of $615,000 fetched in a Christie's auction in August by a pair of Air Jordan 1 Chicago sneakers worn by Michael Jordan early in his career.
The market for collectors' sneakers has been all the rage in recent months, so much so that auction houses don't think twice about proposing exceptional pairs to draw new collectors into their ecosystems. Sotheby's caused a sensation in December by announcing the sale of a pair of unique sneakers designed by the sportswear brand adidas and the German porcelain maker Meissen. Although not designed to be worn, these sneakers were estimated at "$1 to $1,000,000" a bold move which maybe didn't quite pay off, since the sneakers finally sold for $126,000.
ETX Studio
Wed Feb 10 2021
These Nike Hyperdunks are considered one of only two pairs in existence, with this pair serving as Nike's confirmation sample to check the quality of the shoe before producing the pair given to Barack Obama. ETXStudiopic
Prabowo takes up Indonesian presidency, vows to tackle corruption, other issues
Prabowo officially became Indonesia's eighth president on Sunday morning after he was sworn in during a ceremony at Indonesia's parliament.
Nepal's Sherpas deserve more, says teenager who scaled world's 14 tallest peaks
Sherpas are known for climbing skills that make them the backbone of mountain expeditions.
Prabowo takes up Indonesian presidency, vows to tackle corruption, other issues
Indonesia's Prabowo Subianto on Sunday took over as president of the world's third-largest democracy, vowing to combat internal issues
Inside the underground lab in China tasked with solving a physics mystery
China will soon collect neutrino data, aiming to unravel one of particle physics' biggest mysteries.
Millions in Cuba still without power as major outage persists
Millions of Cubans remain without electricity because of a prolonged outage at the main power plants on the island, Anadolu Agency reported.
Surge in Gaza violence increases famine risk, monitor says
About 1.84 million people across the besieged Palestinian enclave are living through high levels of acute food insecurity.
Israel pounds Beirut and Gaza after rockets hit Israel's north
A drone was launched at Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's holiday home.
Elon Musk promises to award $1 mil each day to a signer of his petition
He awarded a $1 million check to an attendee of his event in Pennsylvania aimed at rallying supporters behind Donald Trump.
Former special forces commander Prabowo to take up Indonesian presidency
Indonesia's Prabowo Subianto will take over as president of the world's third-largest democracy after sweeping the country's election with policies like free meals for school children
Father of Malaysian Islamic banking, Abdul Halim Ismail passes away
His dedication and pioneering spirit played an important role in shaping the journey of Bank Islam as well as leaving a lasting impact on the development of Malaysia's Islamic finance industry.
Zayn Malik postpones US tour dates after One Direction bandmate Liam Payne's death
Payne, 31, died on Wednesday after falling from a third-floor hotel room balcony in Buenos Aires, shocking fans of the boy band.
Why voters in a handful of swing states will decide the US presidential election
The contest will almost certainly be decided by just tens of thousands of voters a tiny fraction of the populace in a handful of states.
INSIGHT - Sudan's war risks 'lost generation' of children
A devastating crisis is unfolding in Sudan, where the most vulnerable members of society children are bearing the brunt of the violence.
Who is Prabowo Subianto, incoming president of Indonesia?
A wealthy ex-general with ties to Indonesia's popular outgoing president and its dictatorial past, looks set to be its next leader.
Trump says he would impose tariffs on China if China went into Taiwan
Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump said he would impose additional tariffs on China if China were to "go into Taiwan,"
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.